CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The city of Clarksville will work with the state to fund the Warfield Blvd. road widening project.
According to a press release, the city and the state now have a signed contract outlining the work to be done. Based on the estimates provided in the contract, the city will ultimately contribute $1.5 million from the special revenue fund established in the recent city budget. The state will contribute more than $15 million.
There are four major phases of the project: environmental, preliminary engineering/design, right of way purchases and construction. The first three phases have been funded, and TDOT will consider the project for construction funding when it develops its 3-year program in the spring of 2016.
In the 2015-16 budget, Mayor McMillan proposed a special revenue fund created from a small portion of the local option sales tax dollars the City of Clarksville receives each year. That proposal was included in the budget that the Council adopted in July. The purpose of this special revenue fund was to provide money to deal with roads.
“The lack of funding from traditional sources can put pressure on local governments to deal with transportation projects,” said Mayor Kim McMillan. “In a city with the growth we are experiencing in Clarksville, we need to do everything we can to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with the increased population, including commuters and travelers on our roads. Governor Haslam and Commissioner Schroer understand our needs for improvement of our roads and increasing transportation opportunities in Clarksville. The one key question that has remained, however, is how do we pay for it?”
“Local contribution is one of key factors the State looks at to fund and move forward on projects,” explained Mayor McMillan. “I believe we have shown our commitment to continuing infrastructure improvements and furthered our already excellent relationship with TDOT through this agreement. This project is just more proof of how much can be accomplished when we work together.”